Synthesis of Fatty Acids and Lipids

Abstract

All cells contain lipids, most of which contain fatty acids. Unicellular organisms possess all of the biochemical machinery necessary to synthesize their cellular components and are, therefore, capable of synthesizing the fatty acids and lipids they require. In higher plants and animals, diversification of cells and evolution of tissues have occurred, resulting in the development of tissues with specialized functions. In the context of fatty acid and lipid synthesis this is more apparent in animals than in plants.